Goa’s new tourism minister has gone to bat for big music festivals, specifically those that deal with electronic dance music (EDM). Manohar ‘Babu’ Azgaonkar feels that Sunburn will help Goa’s tourism to flourish, while also promising to also protect Goa’s culture. That Sunburn will boost certain aspects of Goa’s tourism is a given, but hopefully the minister can straighten out a few things before he invites organisers of Sunburn and/or Supersonic back to Goa.
The first thing is that Goa will not be lost without the two aforementioned EDM festivals. Yes, 30,000 young tourists descending on the state for about five days certainly helps hotels, transport players, food and beverage establishments, as well the organisers of the festivals, financially. But the hosting of first one, and then both the festivals, was fraught with difficulties. The festivals were held during the week between Christmas and New Year, when Goa was always filled to the brim with tourists. That peak week has always seen occupancy at its highest. Many people would drive down from neighbouring cities, adding to road congestion. Residents of Calangute and the surrounding areas were disturbed and vendors were not paid either. Some vendors have outstanding bills for years.
One of the first things that Azgaonkar needs to do is identify zones with little or no residential areas, so as not to disturb the peace of the people. This is not impossible. Festivals all over the world are held far away from residential sectors, with ample space for on-venue stay, as well as parking locations. Even if stay at the venue is not possible, there needs to be proper locations scouting that takes a lot of factors into consideration. Having the festival(s) from December 20 to January 5, or thereabouts, should be taken off the table. This is Goa’s peak season and no one should be allowed to overload infrastructure. Another thing that should be done is the make organisers release all outstanding payments before there are even discussions on allowing the brand back into Goa.
Goa has the upper hand here. It has a brand that makes it easier for festival organisers to sell tickets. If Sunburn or Supersonic is not willing, there are a host of festivals that are eager to tap into the Indian market. They are not off limits. Comply with the list of rules, pay your vendors on time, and you can function. But, mess up and we will throw you out of Goa should be the clear message. Goa needs an EDM festival. But the organisers need Goa more. We should not get bullied into submission.
This season gone by was not bad because there was no EDM festival. It was bad because of a lot of factors, like demonitisation, but also because Goa needs a strong tourism policy. Start with that.
